The Book of Praise ‎#157

157. The snow lay on the ground

1 The snow lay on the ground, the stars shone bright,
When Christ the Lord was born on Christmas night.
Venite adoremus Dominum.
Venite adoremus Dominum.

Refrain:
Venite adoremus Dominum.
Venite adoremus Dominum.

2 'Twas gentle Mary maid, so young and strong,
who welcomed here the Christ-child with a song.
She laid him in a stall at Bethlehem;
the ass and oxen shared the roof with them. [Refrain]

3 And Joseph too was there to tend the Child,
to guard him, and protect his mother mild.
The angels hovered round and sang this song:
Venite adoremus Dominum. [Refrain]

4 And thus that manger poor became a throne,
for he whom Mary bore was God the Son.
Oh come, then, let us join the heavenly host,
to praise the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. [Refrain]

Text Information

• First Line: The snow lay on the ground, the stars shone bright
• Title: The snow lay on the ground
• Refrain First Line: Venite adoremus Dominum
• Meter: 10 10 10 10 with refrain (10 10)
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1997
• Topic: Church Year: Christmas
• Source: Anglo-Irish carol; alt.
• Copyright: Public Domain

Tune Information

• Name: VENITE ADOREMUS
• Adapter: C. Winfred Douglas, 1867-1944
• Harmonizer: Leo Sowerby, 1895-1968
• Meter: 10 10 10 10 with refrain (10 10)
• Key: G Major
• Source: English Melody
• Copyright: © H. W. Gray Companey, Inc.